pumice

noun

pum·​ice ˈpə-məs 

: a volcanic glass full of cavities and very low in density that is used especially in powder form for smoothing and polishing

pumiceous

pyü-ˈmi-shəs 

ˌpə-

adjective

Examples of pumice in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Gently rub the pumice stone over the surface of the soap scum, rinsing away any residue that collects on it. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2025

Forgotten under sixty-five feet of pumice and ash, Herculaneum wasn’t rediscovered until the eighteenth century, and the original Villa dei Papiri has still not been fully excavated. —Dana Goodyear, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025

Magic Real Solutions brought Solution BioStone BD, its more sustainable and efficient alternative to pumice stones, to the show. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 9 Sep. 2025

Ancient eruptions have formed dark layers of lava rock interbedded with pumice and pyroclastic flow deposits. —David Bressan, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pomis, from Anglo-French pomice, from Latin pumic-, pumex — more at foam

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pumice

• lummis
• squamous
• strumous

Kids Definition

pumice

noun

pum·​ice ˈpəm-əs 

: a very light glass that is formed by the rapid cooling of lava from volcanoes, is full of small holes, and is used especially in powder form for smoothing and polishing

Medical Definition

pumice

noun

pum·​ice ˈpəm-əs 

: a volcanic glass full of cavities and very light in weight used especially in powder form for smoothing and polishing